For businesses in every industry, it’s essential to have appropriate commercial fire safety equipment in place. As well as keeping people and property safe from the risk of fire, having the right fire safety systems in place is part of the legal obligations of an employer.
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the legal responsibility of business owners to ensure that ‘appropriate fire fighting equipment’ is in place.
fire fighting equipment
Fire suppression systems are one such method of firefighting that users might consider for the organization.
In this article, the team here at KW Fire Protection will provide users with everything need to know about fire suppression systems, outlining how they can enhance the fire safety of the business.
What is a fire suppression system?
The type of extinguishing agent used will depend on the kind of environment
A fire suppression system is a term that refers to a group of fire fighting units that are installed in commercial buildings to extinguish a fire and prevent it from spreading. When a fire occurs, the system will detect it and release an extinguishing substance, such as water, foam, or a chemical compound, that strives to extinguish the blaze before it spreads and causes further harm.
The type of extinguishing agent used will depend on the kind of environment the systems have been installed in. For instance, if the suppression system is being used in a server room or a place where electrical equipment is being stored, chemical extinguishing agents will be more appropriate as water cannot be used on electrical fires.
The different types of fire suppression systems
There is a wide range of fire suppression systems available, all of which are appropriate for different environments. This includes:
Gas systems
One of the most popular types of fire suppression systems on the market, a gas system releases an effective extinguishing agent that can quickly suppress a blaze.
No water is used in these systems, which makes them ideal for rooms that contain electrical equipment.
Wet chemical foam systems
A wet chemical foam system works by emitting water-based foam into small areas of a room where a fire has been detected
The perfect kitchen fire suppression system, a wet chemical foam system works by emitting water-based foam into small areas of a room where a fire has been detected.
Normally, these systems are placed above stove tops and are triggered when high temperatures that indicate a fire are detected.
Water mist systems
Opposed to traditional sprinklers that release large amounts of water, water mist suppression systems work by producing smaller droplets that are layered over a fire, starving it of oxygen and extinguishing it.
As they use less water, it makes them a more sustainable method of fire suppression while remaining effective.
Industrial systems
In industrial environments, the likelihood of hazards occurring is increased. This includes the chances of a fire, especially when chemicals, fuels, and other hazardous materials are being handled.
With this in mind, industrial fire suppression systems that use dry chemicals are the most appropriate.
When is a fire suppression system required?
Often, fire suppression systems are used as an alternative to sprinklers, and are required in rooms
Often, fire suppression systems are used as an alternative to sprinklers, and are required in rooms where water extinguishers are not appropriate.
As well as rooms with electrical equipment where water would be dangerous, people may prefer suppression systems as they remove the risk of water damage that sprinklers can sometimes cause. These systems also help users comply with the legal responsibilities of an employer.
fire risk assessments
While there is no direct legal requirement to have suppression systems in place, employers must provide ‘appropriate fire fighting equipment’. This could take the form of fire suppression systems.
Plus, fire risk assessments may also recommend these systems be installed.
kitchen fire suppression system
There are a whole host of fire suppression systems available, and KW Fire Protection can help users find the solution that is most appropriate for them and the organization. It particularly specializes in Ansul fire suppression systems, which is the preferred system for commercial kitchens, restaurants, and other cooking environments.
This type of kitchen fire suppression system can be automatically triggered when a maximum temperature is exceeded, protecting both people and property.
